Page 18 of Corrupted Pleasure

“Fine,” Juliette grumbled, rolling her eyes. “Would be even better if Davina’s phone didn’t wake us up.”

A heartbeat of silence. “And how didyousleep, Davina?”

Oh my God, someone kill me now! My body was set aflame. Desire burned so strong, it made my hand shake as I reached for my orange juice.

I didn’t dare to look at him, yet every fiber of me was on alert. Aware of him. From the corner of my eyes, I could see him watching me.

“Good, thanks,” I murmured, still refusing to look his way. I took a sip of my orange juice and then set the glass back on the table, landing a bit harder than I intended.

Juliette’s and Ivy’s eyes came to me but then went back to staring at their phones. Even Wynter’s eyes flicked my way and then went back to her book.

“That’s good,” Mr. Brennan continued, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. “We want you to feel comfortable here. Inanyroom.”

I swallowed hard and my eyes widened. Did he-?

No, no, no. Don’t panic.

I snuck out of his room and went straight back to my room. He didn’t see me peeping on him.Right?

“Thanks,” I choked out, hoping my smile didn’t look like a painful grimace. I still refused to lock eyes with him. I feared it would send me spiraling into a deep abyss and I’d never come back up for air.

“You’re studying business, right?” I wished he’d just ignore me, but he kept talking to me. Acknowledging my presence. It was better last night when he didn’t even bother looking my way.

“Davina is the best in her class,” Juliette chimed in, elaborating on my behalf. “She’s really good and one day, she wants to start her own business.”

I silently groaned, wishing the topic would change to someone else.

“What kind of business?” Mr. Brennan inquired, curiosity in his deep voice.

“It definitely won’t be along the lines of your business,” Ivy snickered and then as if she realized she said it out loud, she slammed her hand against her mouth. “Umm, I didn’t mean that. It came out of nowhere. The alcohol must still be in my veins. I need to detox.”

“You do that, Ivy,” Mr. Brennan scolded her. “And go easy on the alcohol next time. All of you.”

Ivy’s cheeks turned so red, they matched her hair color. I had to be a horrible person because I was glad Mr. Brennan’s attention was on her and not me.

Though it was short lived.

CHAPTER7

Liam

Davina squirmed in her seat, avoiding my eyes like her life depended on it.

I should feel bad for tormenting her like this, but I didn’t. I quite enjoyed seeing emotions flash across her expressive face. She may be doing her damndest to not look in my direction, but I knew she was aware of my every move. Each time I moved, I swore she shifted too. Like there was a magnetic field between us.

For all my years on this earth, I had never experienced it. I’d seen it, yes. With my own father and the woman he started a war for. It was ironic, really, because at this very moment I could understand it. Until today, I would have done anything to protect my family, Juliette and Killian.

Never a woman.

Yet, for Davina I knew I would. Because it was right here and now that I decided she’d be mine.

I watched the beauty with raven hair reach for her glass, her fingers trembling slightly. Did Ivy’s comment scare her?

Not everyone could stomach this kind of life. It was the reason I sheltered Juliette and Wynter at all costs. Even when Juliette curiously asked questions, I kept her out of it. I promised Aiden I’d keep her safe. The same promise I offered to my sister.

The same way I’d protect Davina. The resolve already formed in my mind.

For a fraction of a second, Davina’s eyes flicked to me and a hint of desire lurked in them. Something in my chest rattled with satisfaction. Her pink tongue swept across her bottom lip and I had to ignore the heat running to my groin. The gesture was innocent, yet hot as fuck.